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60 arrested for being in possession of military material

By
Our Reporter
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military materials

Old Kampala police are holding 60 suspects for allegedly being in possession of military material and other various stolen items.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the suspects were arrested on 22nd February, 2021 during an intelligence-led joint operation with the Military Police.

The operation was carried out in Kakajjo Zone in Kisenyi II Parish, Kampala Central Division and Kampala Capital City.

“A total of 60 suspects were arrested and four suspected stolen phones, breaking implements, UPDF uniform shirt, a live ammunition, master car keys, pliers and loads of narcotic drugs were recovered in the residences of the suspects arrested,” Owoyesigyire said.

He said that notable among the suspects are: Fahad Kabogoza, Asia Atimango and Adam Opwonya, who are all known notorious criminals in Kisenyi area.

“They are suspected to be ring leaders of the criminals who have been riding motorcycles and attacking members of the public before stealing all their properties.”

suspects held

Police preferred charges of; being in possession of suspected stolen properties, since lady handbags and phones were recovered in their possession and being in possession of breaking implements and government stores.

All charges against them have been sanctioned by the State Attorney and the suspects are set to appear in the court.

“We shall keep carrying out these operations with an aim of having a crime free society,” he added.

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Boeing backs grounding of its Aircrafts over engine failures

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Boeing planes

American company, Boeing has considered the grounding of its Aircrafts after an engine failure that United Airlines flight 328 experienced over Denver yesterday.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation, two fan blades on the plane’s number two engine had developed fractures.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency airworthiness directive that requires “immediate or stepped-up inspections of Boeing 777 airplanes equipped with certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines.” The administration noted that this was likely to result in aircraft being removed from service.

“Boeing is actively monitoring recent events related to United Airlines Flight 328. While the NTSB investigation is ongoing, we recommended suspending operations of the 69 in-service and 59 in-storage 777s powered by Pratt and Whitney 4000-112 engines until the FAA identifies the appropriate inspection protocol,” Boeing said in a statement

Boeing supported the decision yesterday by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, and the FAA’s action today to suspend operations of 777 aircraft powered by Pratt and Whitney 4000-112 engines. “We are working with these regulators as they take actions while these planes are on the ground and further inspections are conducted by Pratt and Whitney.”

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BREAKING: Bobi Wine withdraws election petition from Supreme Court

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine hails from Buganda.

Former National Unity Platform Presidential (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine has withdrawn the presidential electoral petition after the Supreme Court declined to receive pieces of evidence.

On Thursday 14th January, 2021, the Electoral Commission conducted presidential elections where Ugandans exercised their constitutional rights of choosing a president who will lead them through a five year term. Uganda has a total 18,103,603 registered voters and 34,684 polling stations however only 10,350,819 people turned up to vote.

The presidential election which comprised 11 candidates was won by President Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta who got 6,042,898 (58.38%). His closest opponent Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu got 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).

Earlier this month, Bobi Wine petitioned the Supreme Court challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in the just concluded January general elections saying that the election was not free and fair.

He contended that throughout the campaign period the People of Uganda generally, and more particularly his supporters endured untold suffering, torture, degrading and inhuman treatment on the orders of Gen Museveni. He cited the dark days of 18th and 19th November 2020 which saw over 50 innocent, unarmed citizens murdered in cold blood by the police and military.

Last week the Supreme Court declined to receive over 200 pieces of evidence from his lawyers who were led by Anthony Wameli. The court registrar Ssali Harriet Lukwago said the Supreme Court could not receive the affidavits because they were filed beyond stipulated time as agreed during the pre-hearing session held on Thursday last week.

“Among the rejected evidence included the affidavits of the NUP secretary general Lewis Lubongoya, videos of pre-ticket ballots, and evidence of various polling stations where the incumbent got 100%. At Lwaweba polling station where they claim that Museveni got 100% seven of my relatives who polls from that station didn’t vote, two pregnant women were in labour ward pregnant and two were arrested,” he said earlier today.

A week ago, Supreme Court chaired by the chief Justice Alfonso Owiny-Dollo dismissed the MPs petition where he sought to adduce more grounds to support his 26 claims of election fraud, for which he wants president-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni annulled.

In the fresh grounds, Bobi contended that Mr Museveni was not qualified as Candidate and could not lawfully Contest in the Presidential Elections being a person in command of military and police contrary to Presidential Elections amendment Act and the Constitutional Amendment

In tandem, the MP asked Justice Owiny Dollo, Mike Chibita to back off from hearing the matter because of a clear conflict of interest. He said Chief Justice represented Museveni as his lawyer in the presidential petition filed by Dr. Besigye in 2001 and the former DPP Chibita is Museveni’s former private secretary for 7 years.

“We ran to court not because we trust judges, but we went to court because we trust the law. As you aware, Justice Mike Chibita who constitutes a panel of judges was a private secretary to president Museveni for seven years so we expect nothing from him but putting him to test,” Bobi said.

He decried Chief justice’s behaviour of hosting president Museveni and asking him to implement a number of issues which includes increasing the number of judges and chief magistrates yet he constitutes a panel of judges who are scheduled to deliberate on the electoral petition challenging his victory.

“We can’t be part of the mockery of justice. We have instructed our lawyers to withdraw the case. We were told that the withdrawal of the matter is a process.  This was a test, the electoral commission failed; the Supreme Court has as well failed,” he said.

“We have decided to take the matter to the court of public opinion; no one can convince you that the electoral commission was not independent. Museveni did not withdraw his petition in 1980s and he took up arms,” he said.

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AFCON U-20: Uganda to face Burkina Faso in quarterfinals

By
Our Reporter
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Uganda Hippos

The Uganda U-20 National football team, the Hippos will face group B winners Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania.

The Hippos saw off hosts Mauritania in the final group A game to progress to the knockout phase, finishing second with six points from three games behind Cameroon who attained maximum points.

Uganda rallied back from 1-0 down through Steven Sserwadda and substitute Derrick Kakooza’s penalty to claim all the points.

The Hippos kicked off the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Mozambique with goals from the same scorers; Derrick Kakooza and Steven Sserwada before falling 1-0 in the second game against a strong Cameroon side.

Burkina Faso finished their group with seven points; three more than second place Central African Republic.

Kouame Botue scored a 90th minute header to give Burkina Faso a hard fought 1-0 victory over Namibia on Sunday to progress to the quarter finals of the Total Africa U-20 Cup of Nations as Group B winners.

The Uganda Hippos are playing their first-ever U20 AFCON tournament while Burkina Faso are making their fourth appearance.

The game will be played on Thursday, 25 February at 10 pm.

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WHO steps up efforts to curb Ebola outbreaks in DRC

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Health workers

The World Health Organization (WHO has deploying teams of experts to support the national authorities ramp up the response and avert widespread Ebola in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

Health authorities in Guinea declared an Ebola outbreak on 14 February after three cases detected in Gouécké, a rural community in N’Zerekore prefecture tested positive for the virus. It is the first Ebola outbreak in Guinea since 2016 when a large one was successfully brought under control.

More than 100 WHO staff, deployed from other countries and from within Guinea, are expected to be part of the Ebola response by the end of February. A team of eight experts from the WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville is leaving soon. Efforts are ongoing to step up surveillance, contact-tracing, testing and treatment as well as preparing for vaccination.

“We are hard at work, shifting quickly through the gears to get ahead of the virus. With experts and emergency supplies already getting on the ground, the response is off to a strong start,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our collective, quick action is crucial to averting an uncontrolled spread of Ebola amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has already pushed health workers and health facilities to the edge.”

A humanitarian flight arrived on 15 February in N’Zerekore with 700 kg of medical equipment donated by WHO and partners. A consignment of more than 11 000 doses of Ebola vaccine is expected to arrive in Guinea this weekend. In addition, more than 8500 doses will be shipped from the United States of America for a total of 20 000 doses. Vaccination is set to kick off shortly afterwards. A 30-strong vaccination team has already been mobilized locally and is ready to deploy as soon as the vaccines are received.

Meanwhile, in the DRC, so far there are four confirmed Ebola cases, including two deaths that are epidemiologically linked. WHO has around 20 experts on the ground supporting national and provincial health authorities. About 8000 vaccine doses were still available in the country at the end of the 11th Ebola outbreak. The vaccination of people at high risk was officially launched in Butembo, the outbreak’s epicentre on 15 February. So far nearly 70 people have been vaccinated. The quick rollout of vaccines is a testament to the enormous local capacity built in the previous outbreaks by WHO and partners.

WHO has released US$ 1.25 million to support the response in Guinea and to reinforce Ebola readiness in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Additionally, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has disbursed US$ 15 million to support the response in Guinea and DRC and readiness in the neighbouring countries.

With the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea being a border area, countries in the sub-region are on high alert and increasing public health measures and surveillance in border towns and communities to quickly detect and respond to possible cross-border infections.

The ongoing response in Guinea and preparedness in neighbouring countries is building upon the experience gained during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. WHO and partners worked with national teams to build capacity in all the critical areas of surveillance and response.

The West Africa Ebola outbreak began in Guinea and spread across land borders to Liberia and Sierra Leone. When it was finally brought under control there were 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths, making it the deadliest since the virus was first detected in 1976.

Ebola is an acute severe viral illness and is extremely lethal. It is characterized by sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea and sore throat. This can be followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.

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Uganda Airlines signs TotalCare agreement with Rolls-Royce

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Uganda Airlines

Rolls-Royce has signed a TotalCare agreement with Uganda Airlines for their two new Airbus A330neo aircraft powered exclusively by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. Uganda Airlines received the first A330neo in December 2020 and the second in January 2021.

TotalCare offers more than just an engine maintenance plan; it is a service concept based upon predictability and reliability.

This agreement will give Uganda Airlines a secured cost of operating and maintaining their Trent 7000 engines, through a dollar-per-flying-hour payment mechanism, as well as enhanced aircraft availability as a result of our in-depth engine knowledge that only we can provide, drawing on advanced engine health monitoring and the inclusion of product durability and reliability improvements.

The exclusive engine for the A330neo, the Trent 7000 is the seventh and latest member in the Trent family of engines, which recently celebrated its 25th birthday and has accumulated more than 150 million engine flying hours.

The Trent 7000, which first entered service in November 2018, draws on more than 50 million flying hours of experience from the Trent 700, the engine of choice for the original version of the A330. The 68-72,000lb thrust Trent 7000 helps the A330neo reduce environmental impact with a 25% improvement in fuel burn per seat (compared to previous generation competitor aircraft) and a significant noise reduction.

Cornwell Muleya, CEO of Uganda Airlines, said: “We are proud to include our new Rolls-Royce powered Airbus A330neos into our fleet and this agreement will ensure that our Trent 7000 engines will be maintained to world-leading levels of service.”

John Kelly, Senior Vice President Customers, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our TotalCare agreement will ensure Uganda Airlines, the latest member of the family of Trent operators, receives our flagship standard of service, maximising aircraft availability and the ability to plan forward financially.”

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Makerere University launches Shs1.6 billion research facility

By
Our Reporter
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Makerere University launches Shs1.6 billion research facility

Makerere University with support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) commissioned a Research Private Cloud Computing facility Worth Shs1.6 billion.

The facility is situated in the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) offices, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Eng. Irene Sewankambo, the ceremony was also graced by Senior Research Advisor, Embassy of Sweden in Uganda-Dr. Gity Behravan and the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Director Quality Assurance-Dr. Vincent Ssembatya.

Mr. Samuel Mugabi lauded Sida for being a long-term supporter of developing the ICT function and capacity at Makerere University, right from establishing the optic fibre backbone network at the Main, Mulago, MUBS and MUARIK Campuses to offering training for DICTS staff.

“We are now moving into the Web 3.0 era where the state-of-the-art Research Private Cloud Computing facility will enable us to do high performance computing, serve as a data repository for all 17 Mak-Sida projects and prepare Makerere University for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).”

Prof. Oyana, Principal Investigator (PI) of the Mak-Sida Project 381: Integrating ICT-based support in Research, Teaching and Innovations, expressed deep appreciation to Sida for the continued good will and support to infrastructure development at Makerere University.

“We strongly believe that now an opportunity exists for capacity building in DICTS to develop relevant IT knowledge and skills to grow cloud-based computing and storage applications to support Makerere University’s research,” remarked Prof. Oyana.

Project Co-PI, Prof. Uno Fors in his virtual address congratulated Makerere University upon the impressive installation, noting that Stockholm University (SU) had only recently received its cloud computing facility and as such, was not far ahead of its partner. He pledged that SU would support technology-based training of trainers so as to facilitate skills transfer over the internet. “When the pandemic allows, I will come over,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya noted that Sida’s cooperation with Makerere University goes back more than 20 years and was glad that the state-of-the-art facility was being commissioned in the period leading up to Makerere’s celebration of 100 years of existence.

He shared that the University had embarked on implementation of its new 10 year strategic plan, which seeks to consolidate Makerere’s position as the global knowledge hub at the heart of Africa, representing a major paradigm shift. “We have in the past been engaged in a number of activities and we now want to see how best to support other universities and the country through initiatives like cloud computing.”

Dr. Ssembatya sincerely thanked the Swedish Embassy and Royal Government for the generosity and support that took into consideration Makerere’s present and future ICT needs. He pledged the University’s commitment to fully utilize the facility.

In her remarks, Dr. Behravan reiterated that institution-building, postgraduate training, and the existence of an environment that is conducive for research and research training are all part of the holistic effort supported by Swedish research funding to Uganda since the year 2000.

She expressed the Swedish Embassy’s gratitude to Makerere’s Institutional approach to addressing developments in the ICT environment, as shown by establishment of the new facility. “Today we are witnessing the fruit of a cost-sharing partnership between Sweden and Makerere whereby the University has shown a strong ownership in implementation of its ICT Policy and Master Plan and securing the sustainability of the ICT system and services in line with its strategic direction.”

Eng. Sewankambo thanked the project team for inviting her to not only grace but also witness the historic moment. The Makerere University alumna of Electrical Engineering paid tribute to her alma mater for always being a model research and innovation institution. “I applaud Makerere University for being out there and recognizing that we as a nation are growing.”

She shared that Uganda was already implementing her National 4IR strategy and the NDPIII has a specific programme on digital transformation. One of the programme’s objectives is to promote ICT research, innovation and commercialisation of indigenous knowledge products.

“I am happy to note that the National Conference on Communications is going be hosted by Makerere University next month. The Conference will bring together players from Government and Academia to ensure that research developed is relevant to the country” she said.

Ag. Executive Director UCC applauded the Swedish Embassy and Government for the specific support to ICT infrastructure development and urged all stakeholders to ensure that they harness the immense brain power to carry Uganda forward.

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Two arrested for stealing motor vehicles

By
Our Reporter
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Suspects

The Uganda police is holding two people suspected to have been behind car theft in Kampala and neighboring areas.

The suspects are Nsereko Farouk Alias kasasa Hassan and Wambi Joseph Alias Kato Daniel.

According to Twiine Charles, the spokesperson of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), findings indicate that they hire vehicles from people and later on sell them to unsuspecting members of the public who are later arrested for stealing them.

The suspects have been involved in several motor vehicle theft and are being investigated in several cases around KMP.

“We appeal to the general public especially persons who had bought vehicles from such unscrupulous people, and later impounded by police to come to CID headquarters and lodge a complaint before we dispose them (suspects) to the Courts of Law,” Twiine Charles said.

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Commercial Court dismisses Simbamanyo Estate case against Equity bank

By
Our Reporter
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Simbamanyo house which was acquired by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

Commercial Court has dismissed the case in which owners of Simbamanyo Estates Limited had sought to halt the auctioning of its prime properties by Equity bank.

The  bank to auctioned the properties in order to recover a loan amounting to$10.8 million (Shs40 billion).

Commercial Court Deputy Registrar Lillian Bucyana ruled on Wednesday  February 17 dismissing the matter. She said the suit abates for failure to take out summons for directions in time.

“The application for withdrawal was not conceded to unconditionally but was on condition of payment of costs. In the circumstances therefore, the applicant (Simbamanyo Estates) application stands dismissed upon withdrawal and the only issue for consideration is whether should be payable,” Justice Madrama  stated in his ruling.

He further added “The respondent  upon being served, instructed lawyers and the lawyers took action to oppose the application by filing the appropriate affidavits in reply as well as written submissions”.

Simbamanyo Estates Limited lost property, Afrique Suites Hotel and Simbamanyo House  over a $10.8 million loan acquired from Equity Bank.

Last year, the  Estate lost Simbamanyo House located on plot 2 Lumumba Avenue after it failed to service the loan. The building had been mortgaged by its owners with Equity Bank but after failing to pay, the exercise was conducted through public bidding on October 8 by Equity Bank Limited.

According to documents seen by Eagle Online, the hotel was sold the same day as Simbamanyo House was sold.

According to court documents filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court, on August 20, 2012, Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Bank Uganda entered into a loan agreement in which the two banks agreed to advance Simbamanyo with $6m.

The loans, which would make up a consolidate sum of $8.10m (Shs29.83b) including interest and operational fees, among others, sought to finance the construction of Afrique Suites Hotel in Mutungo, Luzira north east of Kampala and facilitate the takeover of a prior facility advanced to Simbamanyo by Shelter Afrique.

History of the loans

The two banks, details indicate, pooled money together with at least $3.5m drawn from Equity Bank Kenya and $2.5m from Equity Bank Uganda. However, Simbamanyo Estates challenged the outstanding sum, saying it is only aware of $7.19m (Shs26.48b).

In its defense, Equity indicates that Sambamanyo benefited and was aware of every financial transaction that was advanced to it. Equity also argued that Bank One, based in Mauritius, was drafted into the transaction on the request of Simbamanyo, which had sought to obtain bridge financing of up to $10m.

In the same spirit, Simbamanyo Estates Limited withdrew their application in which they were seeking to stop the takeover of its property on Lumumba Avenue. They had petitioned the Court of Appeal seeking orders to maintain the status quo stopping the sale of their property by Equity Bank which is seeking to recover loans worth $10.8 million (Shs40 billion).

Court documents indicate that upon issuance of the High Court order on September 7 last year, the bank advertised their property, and were meant to and finally sold on October 8.

 

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We didn’t invite you to Supreme Court – Chief Justice tells off Bobi Wine

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo

The Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has defended himself in the matter where the former Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine wants him off the bench of nine judges handling his electoral petition.

Earlier this month, through his lawyers led by Medard Seggona, Bobi wine petitioned the Supreme Court challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s victory in the just concluded January general elections saying that the election was not free and fair.

He contended that throughout the campaign period the People of Uganda generally, and more particularly his supporters endured untold suffering, torture, degrading and inhuman treatment on the orders of Gen Museveni. He cited the dark days of 18th and 19th November 2020 which saw over 50 innocent, unarmed citizens murdered in cold blood by the police and military.

On Monday, the MP asked Justice Owiny Dollo, Mike Chibita to back off from hearing the matter because of a clear conflict of interest. He said Chief Justice represented Museveni as his lawyer in the presidential petition filed by Dr. Besigye in 2001 and the former DPP Chibita is Museveni’s former private secretary for 7 years.

Speaking during court session earlier today, Chief Justice told Bobi off that; “We did not invite anyone to this court if you have Plan B, go ahead with it but do not bring undeserved chaos in court.”

“If anybody thinks he can induce the Chief Justice with favours or intimidate him, be ready for a crash. Nobody should have the fear that we will favour any person in this petition; we took an oath to defend,” he said.

“All matters that arise outside court we don’t have time for. If anyone thinks they can intimidate, blackmail the chief justice Of Uganda, he is going to crash.” he added.

He said last time they spoke on how they will conduct themselves in the matter before them. “The lordships as it is provided for in the constitution took an oath to protect it without fear favor affection or ill will.”

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